Hand-held centripetal exercise device.

ABSTRACT

A hand-held centripetal exercise device comprised of an outer sphere ( 1 ) and inner ball ( 2 ). Holding the device in the palm of the hand while swinging in a rotational motion creates a low-impact centripetal resistance. Benefits may be achieved while standing or ambulatory. Variations in diameter and weight of the sphere and ball allow for adaption to the goals and abilities of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to hand-held exercise devices and morespecifically to such devices intended to be swung in a rotational manor.The process of swinging this device produces resistance in the form ofkinetic reaction to inertia, gravity, and centripetal force. Theinvention acts as a hand-held exercise device employing centripetalresistance for use in conjunction with overall physical fitness,muscular strengthening and conditioning, joint flexibility, coordinatedmovement, and physical rehabilitation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The benefits of exercise are well known for an individual's health andwell being. While there are many opportunities to exercise there existsa need to exercise without cumbersome or complex equipment. Over theyears many hand-held devices have been developed to aid in the quest toachieve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Most such devices areprohibitively complicated for wide spread adoption as these patentsillustrate.

Shahinian U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,640 discloses a extended centripetalrotator exercise device with a elongated tubular member such that whenthe device is grasped at each end and moved toward and away the endmembers move circularly relative to the tube.

Dantolan U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,002 discloses a hollow metal tube with ahand grip on its upper end and a rotatable weight on its lower end. Whenholding the hand grip and moving the rotatable weight, one can exercisevarious portions of the body.

Petrosky U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,950 discloses a device providing twotubular structures and a solid cylindrical bar through a shorter tubularstructure which is secured to a perpendicular longer tubular structure.The exerciser is manipulated through a repetitive hand, wrist or armmotion while holding the shorter tubular section.

See also

U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,703 B1 Portable exercise device.

U.S. Pat. No. 0,096,200 A1 Device and method for exercising a body partof a person.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,975 B1 Dumbbell assembly with rotatable weightmembers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,423 A Gyroscopic weight training devices.

Additionally there are many hand-held devices intended for use while thebody is in ambulatory. Here again, these devices are either overlycomplicated, and/or do little to enhance the basic exercise.

For example: Byrd U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,447 discloses an enlarged, hollow,spherically shaped body having diametrically opposed apertures whichpermit access to the interior of the body for the storage of itemsuseful to the jogger.

Heck U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,401 entitled Hand-held Aid for HumanLocomotion, wherein is described a lightweight, rigid, non-compressibledevice which is held in the hand and which aids in locomotion.

WO 1 992004954 A1 discloses a ambulatory exercise device which comprisesa flexible elongated rod, selectively weighted, such that the rod iscapable of sustaining controlled, rhythmical and periodic oscillationcorresponding roughly to the natural movements of an exercisers arm.

See also

U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,057 Arm exerciser for runners.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects

The object of this invention is to provide a safe, simple, and funapparatus for upper body exercise. When swinging the device in arotational arc the resultant centripetal force is transmitted asphysical resistance upon the users' neuromusculoskeletal system. Thisresistance produces a safe and effective low-impact form of exercise.Benefits of swinging the device include strengthening, toning, andincreasing muscle and joint flexibility in the upper body. Benefits maybe achieved while standing, walking, or jogging.

Advantages

1) The devices simplistic design and function lends itself to usersseeking a new or renewed interest in exercise.

2) Its design allows for the manipulation of a natural phenomenon(centripetal force) to be utilized in a daily fitness regimen. Use ofthe device produces a physical engagement, variety, and enjoyment notfound when performing the same motions without the device.

3) When the device is used while the body is in forward motion, there isan increase in coordination between the movements of the upper and lowerbody and a strengthening and toning of the user's core muscle groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 showing the outer dimension of a sphere or shell 1 with a wallhaving a thickness. Showing a ball 2 such that its' circumference is asolid body.

FIG. 2 showing a ball encased within a sphere or shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A hand-held centripetal exercise device comprising two parts 1, 2FIG. 1. A inner ball 2, is encased by a outer sphere 1 as shown in FIG.2. The outer shell is typically constructed by attaching twohemispheres. Typically the outer shell 1 is of a diameter which providesa optimal fit in the palm of the hand. Typically the inner ball 2 issingular, solid, and with a mass to match the requirements of the user.

Hemispheres, when used, may be permanently attached, i.e. welding, orthey may be attached such that separating allows for the inner ball tobe exchanged. Changing the inner ball allows the user to change weighttherefore varying the consequent effects.

DETAILED OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

When swung in a rotational motion a centripetal force is createdproducing a low-impact resistance exercise. The user can vary the sizeand direction of the rotations to target desired muscle groups.Exchanging the inner ball allows the user to vary the weight andtherefore the level of resistance.

When used while the body is ambulatory. The device acts to engage theshoulders, torso, and hips, enhancing the effects of the body's drivethrough space.

Being simple in materials and construction, the device has a utilitythat is unique and not found in any other hand-held exercise devices.That it is used in a rotational motion produces a safe, effective andlow-impact form of exercise. That it promotes a coordination of movementbetween body parts enhances the users' engagement and level ofenjoyment.

What is claimed:
 1. A hand-held device for exercise comprising: a) Aspherical shell of predetermined diameter. Said shell sized to fit thepalm of the hand. b) A ball of predetermined mass enclosed within saidshell. Whereby when said shell enclosing said ball is held in the handand swung in a rotational motion, resistive forces are transmitted tothe users' muscular/skeletal system thereby engaging the user in alow-impact exercise.